Features & Benefits
Starting a career in the agricultural industry can be challenging, but finding the right lending partner can help support your growth. GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth program provides the foundation to flourish in your agricultural aspirations. Uniquely designed to support the diversity of today’s young, beginning and small farmers, the multiple aspects of this program provide funding, networking, education and financing to serve your individual needs. GreenStone’s CultivateGrowth program focuses on you - the fresh, upcoming entrepreneur ready to realize your agricultural dreams.
Thanks to over 100 years of agricultural experience, we understand the challenges individuals face when starting their own farm or taking on ownership of a multi-generational farm and as such, we work to provide the educational and financial resources needed to help establish a solid foundation for new and young farmers. CultivateGrowth provides financing in unique and individualized situations through our relaxed underwriting standards. Our expertise in agricultural financing, in addition to our understanding of specialized Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs, means you have access to loans designed specifically for your unique needs.
Eligibility:
- A young farmer is one who is 35 years of age or younger
- A beginning farmer is one who has 10 or fewer years of experience
- A small farmer is one who generates less than $250,000 in annual gross sales from production
- Located in Michigan and northeast Wisconsin
Customer Characteristics:
- Farm background or experience
- Potential in management ability
- A plan for long-term personal and financial goals
- Knowledge of the enterprise to be financed as well as the inherent risks involved
- Ability to maintain an adequate farm record system
Benefits:
- Relaxed underwriting requirements and loan terms
- Collaboration with FSA guaranteed loan programs
- Flexible repayment options
- Zero down payment options
- Eligible for patronage
Emerging Loans
An exciting part of CultivateGrowth is the Emerging Loan program, specifically designed for promising young, beginning and small farmers with limited credit and collateral. CultivateGrowth’s Emerging Loans have more relaxed financing standards and provide financing up to $50,000 in operating loans and $50,000 in long-term loans. In addition to GreenStone’s unique lending options, individuals who qualify for a CultivateGrowth Emerging Loan are eligible to receive an interest rate reduction for the loan upon the completion of their CultivateGrowth Emerging Loan Education.
Support Beyond Financing
Our commitment to the next generation of farmers extends beyond providing financial products and services to educational opportunities and involvement in youth organizations.- Supporting continued education and personal growth by offering up to $40,000 in CultivateGrowth Grants.
- Offering new or young farmers unique learning and networking opportunities by working with an experienced farmer through the CultivateGrowth Mentorship.
- Awarding up to $60,000 in scholarships annually to incoming and upper-class college students planning to major in an agricultural field of study.
- Providing financial contributions and volunteer efforts in support of communities, and organizations, such as young farmer programs, FFA and 4-H.
Grant program
Mentorship
Emerging Loan Education
FAQs
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How are the underwriting requirements different?GreenStone serves the unique needs of young, beginning and small farmers through specialized lending programs that extend credit in a safe and sound manner. Depending on the varying programs utilized in partnership with FSA our underwriting standards are relaxed to a level of Owner Equity and Loan to Value that accommodates someone who is just starting out.
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How do I apply for FSA guaranteed loans?Young, beginning and small farmers can initiate the conversation about FSA programs by visiting one of our local branches or an FSA office. GreenStone can identify customers who may benefit from an FSA program, and make recommendations and initiate the introduction, even for customers seeking direct financing from FSA. Conversely, if a customer reaches out to FSA initially for one of the programs on which we partner, FSA will reach out to an ag lender. We will then discuss the farmer’s needs and how to best structure the financing. Moving forward, it is the customers’ choice whether the lender acts as their single point of contact, or they continue to work with both the lender and FSA with the two organizations working side-by-side.
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How long does the loan process take?We strive to have very competitive turn-around times that meet our customers’ needs while providing the very best options. The loan process turn times do vary based on the scope and complexity of the operation and type of loan program that best fits our customers’ needs.
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What is flexible repayment?GreenStone is committed to meeting the needs of our customers and we work hard to match your payment options to the cash flow of the operation.
